Driving A Manual? Here Are Five Things You Should Never Do

There is always an ongoing debate about what kind of transmission or gearbox is better to drive — Manual or Automatic. Many would opt for a manual gearbox because they feel they are more attached to the car.

So if you are one of them, here are 5 things that you should never do while driving a car with a manual gearbox.

Many have this habit of holding the steering wheel in one hand and holding the gear lever/ shifter with the other. You hand could only be there resting, but risk of damaging your gearbox is high, since the smallest pressure could damage the the gears. Also, holding the steering wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position will give you more control of the vehicle.

Many have this habit of keeping their left foot on the clutch while driving — never do that. Doing so is wearing away your clutch, which will need replacement sooner than expected. Also, in a situation where you need to brake immediately, your subconscious mind will tend to push in the clutch lever before the break lever, which can cause an accident.

This is seen frequently in hilly areas. When the vehicle is at an incline, drivers tend to keep the clutch pedal half depressed, at the 'biting point' and use the throttle at the same time to hold the vehicle. That is a perfect way to ruin your clutch; instead, use the handbrake.

There are situations when drivers think switching to neutral while going downslope is cool, or it helps save gas - wrong! The vehicle is free rolling without the help of the engine to keep it under control. Also, your brakes will overheat and before you know it, you're off the road and have stared disaster directly in the eyes. Leaving the vehicle in a lower gear while descending a hill will give you more control.

Manuals give the driver full control of the engine and power band. There are no electronics that will interfere with performance, which also means that the driver has to keep an eye on the rpm meter, or the tachometer. Shifting at high rpms is good when the car is being driven with enthusiasm, but if you over-rev, you have high chances of blowing your engine. Keep an eye out and change at the right revs.